India, Rajasthan, Jodhpur

Jodhpur (Rajasthani: जोधाणा; Hindi: जोधपुर), is the second largest city in the Indian state of Rajasthan and is located 335 kilometres (208 mi) west from the state capital, Jaipur. It was formerly the seat of a princely state of the same name, the capital of the kingdom known as Marwar. Jodhpur is a popular tourist destination, featuring many palaces, forts and temples, set in the stark landscape of the Thar desert.

The old city of Jodhpur is surrounded by a thick stone wall. The city is known as the "Sun City" for the bright, sunny weather it enjoys all year. It is also referred to as the "Blue City" due to the blue-painted houses around the Mehrangarh Fort. Jodhpur lies near the geographic centre of Rajasthan state, which makes it a convenient base for travel in a region much frequented by tourists.

Murals, paintings and other exhibits at the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum. Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh, construction was completed in 1943. Glass, porcelain wares, memorabilia, and information on the building of the palace are part of the exhibits.

Murals, paintings and other exhibits at the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum. Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh, construction was completed in 1943. Glass, porcelain wares, memorabilia, and information on the building of the palace are part of the exhibits.

Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum. Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh, construction was completed in 1943. Glass, porcelain wares, memorabilia, and information on the building of the palace are part of the exhibits.

Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum. Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh, construction was completed in 1943. Glass, porcelain wares, memorabilia, and information on the building of the palace are part of the exhibits.

Murals, paintings and other exhibits at the Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum. Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh, construction was completed in 1943. Glass, porcelain wares, memorabilia, and information on the building of the palace are part of the exhibits.

Umaid Bhawan Palace Museum. Built by Maharaja Umaid Singh, construction was completed in 1943. The Darbar Hall, which is part of the museum, has elegant murals and also substantial number of miniature paintings.

Passages at the Umaid Bhawan Palace (Chittar Palace) Museum. The palace was built by Maharaja Umaid Singh and the construction work was completed in 1943. The Palace was built to provide employment to thousands of people during the time of famine.

Armory gallery displays a rare collection of armour from every period in Jodhpur. On display are sword hilts in jade, silver, rhino horn, ivory, shields studded with rubies, emeralds and pearls and guns with gold and silver work on the barrels. The gallery also has on display the personal swords of many emperors, among them outstanding historical piece like the Khaanda of Rao Jodha, weighing over 3 kg, the sword of Akbar the Great and the sword of Timur. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the most well-stocked museums in Rajasthan. In one section of the fort museum there is a selection of old royal palanquins, including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin which was won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The museum exhibits the heritage of the Rathores in arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period rooms. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the most well-stocked museums in Rajasthan. In one section of the fort museum there is a selection of old royal palanquins, including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin which was won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The museum exhibits the heritage of the Rathores in arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period rooms. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the most well-stocked museums in Rajasthan. In one section of the fort museum there is a selection of old royal palanquins, including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin which was won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The museum exhibits the heritage of the Rathores in arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period rooms. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the most well-stocked museums in Rajasthan. In one section of the fort museum there is a selection of old royal palanquins, including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin which was won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The museum exhibits the heritage of the Rathores in arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period rooms. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the most well-stocked museums in Rajasthan. In one section of the fort museum there is a selection of old royal palanquins, including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin which was won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The museum exhibits the heritage of the Rathores in arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period rooms. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

The museum in the Mehrangarh fort is one of the most well-stocked museums in Rajasthan. In one section of the fort museum there is a selection of old royal palanquins, including the elaborate domed gilt Mahadol palanquin which was won in a battle from the Governor of Gujarat in 1730. The museum exhibits the heritage of the Rathores in arms, costumes, paintings and decorated period rooms. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

Inside the ornate Phool Mahal: The graceful Sheesh Mahal has symmetrical mirror work. The Moti Mahal served as Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience). Glass and mirrors used abundantly in what is today Mehrangarh Fort Museum, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.

The entrance to the imposing Mehrangarh Fort is guarded by a series of seven famous gates. To the left of innermost gate, Loha Pol, or "Iron Gate", are 15 small handprints left by the wives of the maharaja before they immolated themselves on his funeral pyre. Known as sati marks, the gilded handprints most likely date back to the 1843 death of Maharaja Man Singh. Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India.